Unfortunately, only 229 spectators attended the match, possibly due to some listings still the game as being held at Three Bridges’ ground. The FA did not adjust the venue to the Crest Stadium, as Three Bridges remained the official ‘home’ side, despite an agreement to play at Herne Bay due to ongoing 3G pitch installation at their ground.

Bay’s manager, Steve Lovell, reverted to the starting eleven that played in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Hendon, and the team quickly found its rhythm. Just five minutes in, after Three Bridges' Reece Hallard fired a long-range effort over the bar, Frankie Smith capitalized on a mis-hit pass by Harry Brooks. Smith played the ball to Artem Kuchkov, whose long pass found Mike Salako. Though Salako initially slipped, he quickly recovered, laying the ball back to Kuchkov, who was then bundled over. The resulting free-kick from Scott Heard found Kane Haysman, who had lost his marker and headed the ball past Three Bridges goalkeeper Luke Glover.

Three Bridges responded with a quick break down Bay’s left, but Hayden Velvick’s shot flew over the bar. Mo Kamara also tried his luck from distance but failed to find the target.
On either side of a drinks break, prompted by an injury to a Three Bridges player, Frankie Smith made a superb tackle in the box to deny former Herne Bay player Archie Burnett, while Brooks was quick to block a shot to his left from Nodirbek Bobomurodov.

Just before halftime, Bay won a corner, and Jack Parter took it short to Frankie Smith, whose cross into the box was mishandled by Glover. Scott Heard was perfectly positioned at the back post to slot the ball home, giving Bay a 2-0 lead at the break.

Bay started the second half positively, winning a couple of corners before extending their lead in the 57th minute. Skye Salmon spotted Kuchkov’s run and delivered a perfect pass, which bounced three times before Kuchkov volleyed it home with his right foot, making it 3-0.

While no further goals were scored, Bay continued to create chances. A neat interchange between Haysman, Kuchkov, and Parter led to Salako waiting for a header, but Haysman’s cross was slightly under-hit. In the 73rd minute, Man of the Match Scott Heard unselfishly squared the ball to Kane Rowland, whose shot was blocked.

Bay’s defence once again held firm, securing their sixth clean sheet in the last seven games and sealing a comfortable victory.

Herne Bay; Brooks, Salmon, Parter, Kuchkov (Saunders,81), Friend ©, Kamara (Carrington, 77), Heard (Hanfrey, 86), E Smith, Salako (Reid, 87), Haysman (Rowland, 72), F Smith.
Yellow Cards; Kamara, 76

Herne Bay have been drawn away to Chichester City in the 3rd Qualifying Round on 5th October.